My best friend’s parents both went to Cal. Some of her earliest memories are of the Campanile and the Cal Band performances, and she was very excited to come visit me when I started here. When we were preparing to graduate from high school, her parents really wanted her to Read More…
At my high school, there was one fully out gay kid. He called himself “the flagship gay,” and his name was Ray. Naturally, he became Gay Ray. It seemed like his coming out put a wedge in something so that others could come out. We lived in a very conservative Read More…
When’s the last time you saw an award-winning play about gay chinstrap penguins? Luckily for you, “Birds of a Feather” is playing in San Francisco and can help you cross that one off your list — and it’s delightful. Written by Marc Acito, the play examines issues surrounding same-sex marriage, Read More…
Come into the office and demonstrate your ability to transcribe. After the test, we’ll ask you some questions.” It sounded simple enough, but I had never done it before. I chewed my pencil and desperately tried to keep up with the recording. The interviewers walked back in, and I braced Read More…
“So how long does it take you to get to school?” I get asked this more often than what my major is or what my plans are after graduation. When I tell people I live an hour away, they usually guess that I drive and park somewhere near campus. I Read More…
You’re not sure why you stayed in Berkeley for the summer. Read More…
Somehow, nuns are always funny. Despite their integral place in religious orders and their work in many communities, most of our associations with women in wimples come from movies and television like “Sister Act,” “The Sound of Music” or the classic “The Singing Nun.” With all of these penguin-dressed comedies Read More…
“We spend all of our time together, and you don’t know anything about me.” “That’s not true! I know all about you! We do everything together; you’re like a part of me.” “Oh, really? If something went wrong, you wouldn’t know how to take care of me.” “I never hit Read More…
$568.70. During my first semester in community college, this was the number that hung over me. Almost a whopping $600. This was not for tuition; a grant paid the entire cost of my classes. This heart-stopping bill was for my textbooks. Having just returned to school after a number of Read More…
Welcome, Berkeley transfers! Welcome to one of the most difficult yet glorious times of your life. Most of your CalSO experience will be a good-natured, good time, but if you’re like me, you’ll chafe just a tiny bit at the fact that this day seems tailor-made for freshmen and not Read More…
